Spatial topological analysis of sympathetic neurovascular characteristic of acupoints in Ren meridian using advanced tissue-clearing and near infrared II imaging

Distinct mechanisms of electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture in modulating hypothalamic GnRH-tanycyte unit function of polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex neuroendocrine disorder characterized by dysregulation of the hypothalamus. Both electroacupuncture (EA) and manual acupuncture (MA) have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of PCOS through improvements in hypothalamic function. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are pivotal in regulating hypothalamic endocrine function, whereas tanycyte, a specialized glial cell type, potentially contribute to this process.

METHODS

A dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PCOS-like mouse model was used to investigate the effects of acupuncture. Tissue clearing and three-dimensional (3D) imaging were employed to visualize the hypothalamic GnRH neuronal network and assess postacupuncture modifications. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to identify changes in the gene profiles associated with EA and MA. Rax-CreERT2 transgenic mice were utilized to investigate the molecular targets of EA in tanycytes.

RESULTS

EA significantly alleviated neuroendocrine dysfunction in PCOS-like mice by restoring the density and coverage of GnRH axonal projections. MA displayed similar therapeutic effects but had less pronounced effects on GnRH axons. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct mechanisms for these two approaches: EA primarily regulates neuroglial plasticity, whereas MA predominantly targets neurotransmitter regulation. Both EA and MA share a common therapeutic target in the integrin family. Functional studies in Rax-CreERT2 transgenic mice confirmed that Itgb1 plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of hypothalamic GnRH-tanycyte unit during EA treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

EA exerts therapeutic effects on PCOS by targeting hypothalamic GnRH-tanycyte unit, with Itgb1 identified as a key factor. MA primarily functions through neurotransmitter regulation. These findings highlight potential hypothalamic targets and provide new insights into the distinct mechanisms of EA and MA.

3D visualization of cellular and molecular distributions in human crystalline lenses at different ages

BACKGROUND

The human lens is a highly organized tissue, and it is constructed of delicate inner architectures that ensure its transparency. However, the pattern of cell distribution in the intact lens has rarely been observed or traced in a three-dimensional (3D) perspective.

METHODS

Here, we modified and compared three different kinds of tissue transparency methods to investigate the cellular and molecular changes in the human lens at different ages from a 3D perspective.

RESULTS

First, we analyzed the general 3D parameters of cleared human lenses from 6 months to 72 years of age and found that the equator proportion remained constant with age (23.05% ± 0.36). Next, we visualized the cellular distribution patterns in the anterior capsule and equator, as well as the distribution of cortical fiber cells. Interestingly, we observed the accumulation of equatorial epithelium in adolescents and the asymmetrical denucleation of cortical fiber cells in the elderly. Zonula occludens-1 and tropomyosin receptor kinase A were also identified in the pre-equatorial germinative zone, and its presence decreased when comparing lenses of a 17-year-old to those of a 49-year-old.

CONCLUSION

We present a 3D cellular and molecular reconstruction of the human lens, illustrating the observed alterations in human lens epithelial cells across different ages.

Neurophysiological Basis of Electroacupuncture Stimulation in the Treatment of Cardiovascular-Related Diseases: Vagal Interoceptive Loops

PURPOSE

The vagal sensory nerve (VSN) is an essential interoceptive pathway that is connected to every level of the body. Its intricate genetic coding provides sustenance for physiological processes, including controlling blood pressure and respiration. Electroacupuncture (EA) is a proven surface stimulation therapy that can regulate vagal nerve activity, which can effectively prevent cardiovascular diseases. A growing number of studies have concentrated on the mapping of VSN codes, but little is known, and the physiological background of how EA influences interoceptive has not been fully explored.

METHOD

Here, we incorporate the hypothesized interaction among EA targets, VSNs, and the heart. This offers suggestions for using a versatile and focused EA strategy to modify vagal interoceptive awareness to enhance cardiovascular conditions. We first clarified the major role of vagal nerve in the control of cardiac activity. Additionally, we clarified the multidimensional coding pattern in the VSNs, revealing that the targeted control of multimodal interoceptive is the functional basis of the synchronization of cardiovascular system.

FINDING

We propose a strategy in which EA of the VSNs is employed to activate the interoceptive loop and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Acupuncture treatment of hypertension with insomnia: A protocol for randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial research

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension patients often suffered from insomnia problems which lowered the quality of life. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective to treat perimenopausal and cancer-related insomnia. However, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials to support the effectiveness of acupuncture on insomnia of hypertension patients.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study is a randomized, double-blind (patients and evaluators), and placebo-controlled clinical trial to investigate the effect of acupuncture in hypertension patients' insomnia management. We will recruit 158 hypertension patients suffering from insomnia in Bao'an People's Hospital, Shenzhen and randomly assign them into treatment group (antihypertensive drugs + acupuncture) and control group (antihypertensive drugs + sham acupuncture) in a 1:1 ratio. The patients will receive acupuncture 3 times a week for 12 weeks, and then a 6-months follow-up will be conducted after the treatment. The primary outcome is the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The secondary outcomes include sleep parameters, blood pressure dropping, sleeping pill dosage, Rating Depression Scale score, and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score. The primary outcome will be evaluated at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, and 1, 3, and 6 months following the end of treatment. The secondary outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 12 weeks of the treatment period.